clerk

Everyday

1. A clerk is a person whose job is keeping records, filing and writing in an office. tree →
2. (US, Canada) A clerk is a shop assistant who serves customers. tree →
3. A clerk is an official in charge of records for a court, council or school (school clerk). tree →
4. In old times, a clerk could also be a servant in charge of a part of a great house, such as the kitchen. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and stories it names an office or shop worker: bank clerk, desk clerk, sales clerk. In maths problems a clerk sorts letters or sells items. Phrases: bank clerk, desk clerk, sales clerk, court clerk, town clerk.

Examples

• The clerk stamped the letter. tree →
• Ask the clerk at the desk for a key. tree →
• The store clerk gave me my change. tree →
• A bank clerk counted the money. tree →
• The school clerk keeps the records. tree →
• The clerk sorted 120 letters into 4 piles of 30. tree →
• The town clerk wrote down the votes. tree →
• She works as a clerk in an office. tree →
• “Ah! madam,” cried the clerk of the kitchen. tree →

Note

Pronunciation trap: UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ say "clark"; US and Canada say "clurk". Countable. Adjective: clerical (office work).